Parables

FRUITLESS TEMPLE

/ David R Maas / 1 Comment

The cursing of the barren fig tree symbolized the coming destruction of the Temple and the fruitlessness of Israel – Mark 11:12-26.

The Gospel of Mark divides the story of the barren fig tree into two sections, placing the “cleansing” of the Temple between them, and thus, the two events are inextricably linked.  The fruitlessness of the fig tree and its subsequent cursing highlighted the spiritual state and destiny of the Temple, and Christ’s actions foreshadowed its destruction.

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Kingdom Parables

/ David R Maas / 1 Comment

The gospel of Mark provides only a few examples of the many parables taught by Jesus (“Apart from a parable he did not speak to the crowds”). But in those few, the dominant theme is the kingdom of God that commenced in his ministry and has continued since whenever the gospel is proclaimed.

Jesus taught the Jewish people in parables, but only as they “were able to hear.” That aspect stresses the responsibility of the listener to hear and heed his words.

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Parable of the Sower

/ David R Maas / 7 Comments

The Parable of the Sower provides the key to understanding the other parables of Jesus. Its point is that the kingdom of God began to invade the present age with the proclamation of the kingdom of God by the “Son of Man.” He inaugurated the process, and ever since, the kingdom has been advancing throughout the earth though largely unnoticed by humanity.

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